Education
Living and growing in faith is a lifelong commitment, one that begins when we are very young and continues unbroken into our senior years. Learning the faith, growing in faith, and sharing the faith: those become the cornerstones of our lives, as together we seek what God would have us be and do.
At Gilead, we believe that each of us, as a child of God, has the opportunity to nurture our relationship with God throughout our lives. Our faith is strengthened through worship and reflection, through praise and meditation, through charity and labor, and not least of all through ongoing education.
Biblical study makes all the difference in the world. It moves
individuals and congregations from stagnation to growth, from
skepticism to faith.
Living and growing in faith is a lifelong commitment, one that begins when we are very young and continues unbroken into our senior years. Learning the faith, growing in faith, and sharing the faith: those become the cornerstones of our lives, as together we seek what God would have us be and do.
Gilead's Adult Christian Education program challenges participants not only to acquire greater knowledge of Scripture, but also to reflect on the Word and ask how the Bible applies to their life, work, and ministry.
The group is resuming its weekly meetings on September 9th. They meet on Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm in the church lounge. The group is led by Elder Don Devries. The group is currently focusing on the Book of Joel. All are welcome!
For more information about Adult Bible Study, contact Martin McGeachy.
The Gilead Church School program offers religious education to children and youth (birth through 8th grade). It is conducted Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM during the months September through June. Children begin the morning by attending worship with their families, and then leave for church school following a youth message by the Pastor.
The Presbyterian curriculum, We Believe: God's Word for God's People, is used in all classes.
During the months of July and August, children entering third grade and older stay for the service. An educational program is provided for younger children.
All children and youth are invited to share in learning of God's love and grace. For more information, please contact the pastor.
Confirmation Class There's no greater decision we'll ever make. Will we commit our lives, through our hearts and hands, to the love and light of Jesus Christ? It's not a pledge we make just because we have a particular number of candles on our birthday cake.
At Gilead, our Confirmation Class, which is usually attended in the ninth grade, around the age of fourteen, is a time of exploration and learning. What are the faith traditions of the Presbyterian church, and what does church membership mean? What do I believe about the nature of God and Jesus Christ? What do others believe, and how does that inform my own faith? There are no right or wrong answers; we offer a safe environment in which to seek our own personal call by Christ. Classes are taught by Pastor McGeachy, regularly in the fall and as needed throughout the school year. In addition, we take trips to other churches, temples and synagogues to learn how God is at work in other traditions, and go on at least one winter weekend retreat to meet and have fellowship with Presbyterian confirmands from churches all over the state. Come May, students make a public profession of faith and are confirmed as full members of the church.
The class is fun and serious, relaxed and intense, and open to all young people who wish to open their hearts in a deeper commitment to the Lord.
The Gilead Music Department's two compact disks, The Sounds of Gilead and A Gilead Christmas are available during the coffee hour for $15.